Lagos Court Reserves Judgment in Mompha’s N6 Billion Money Laundering Trial

​IKEJA, LAGOS — Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court has set October 15, 2026, as the date for judgment in the high-profile money laundering trial of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, widely known as “Mompha.”

​The conclusion of the legal arguments on June 30, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the protracted case initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mompha stands trial alongside his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, facing an eight-count charge that includes conspiracy to launder funds, failure to disclose assets, and possession of documents containing false pretences.

​The crux of the prosecution’s case centers on an alleged conspiracy occurring in 2016 involving Mompha, his company, and one Ahmadu Mohammed—who remains at large. Authorities allege the defendants conducted financial transactions totaling approximately N6 billion, purportedly derived from fraudulent activities.

​The Closing Arguments

​During the final proceedings, defence counsel Kolawole Salami urged the court to discharge and acquit his client. Salami argued that the prosecution failed to meet the threshold of proving its case beyond reasonable doubt, emphasizing that the absence of a defence case does not absolve the EFCC of its burden of proof.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Salami specifically challenged the evidentiary value of Exhibit P5, an extra-judicial statement, and contended that the testimony provided by the lead investigating officer, Idi Musa (PW6), failed to produce the necessary direct or circumstantial evidence to substantiate the conspiracy charge.

​Conversely, the EFCC’s lead prosecutor, S. I. Suleiman, maintained that the commission successfully presented six witnesses and a robust collection of documentary exhibits to validate the charges. Suleiman framed the case as a matter of national integrity, asserting that the defendants facilitated internet fraudsters by allowing their corporate bank accounts to be used as conduits for illicit funds.

​He urged the court to deliver a conviction, arguing that a guilty verdict would serve as a crucial deterrent against individuals whose activities negatively impact Nigeria’s reputation within the international community.

​Case Background

​The trial, which commenced on January 12, 2022, has been closely watched by the public due to the defendant’s prominent social media presence. As the court enters its final deliberation phase, the October 15 ruling is expected to bring closure to a legal battle that has spanned over four years.